Huckleberry Highways

There's A Raft of Adventurers and Places To See If You Follow The River.

For spectacular scenery, a multitude of historic sites and a good
old-fashioned summer day trip, Cincinnati residents should take a ride
along the Ohio River. Driving just a couple of hours in either
direction along the banks of the Ohio provides all the flavor of an
epic American road trip, but without the hassle of dozens of gas
stations and rest areas. Explore the history and landscape along the
Ohio with these notable destinations, and perhaps along the way you'll
discover a few of your own.

The Rankin House (pictured on top of hill in photo)6152 Rankin Road
Ripley, OH 45167
(937) 392-1627www.ripleyohio.netHours: May through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Adults $4; students $2; children under 5 free
Drive time: 1 hour

This 19th century home of the Rev. John Rankin and his family served as
a major stop on the Underground Railroad. The fierce abolitionist
harbored hundreds of slaves at his home overlooking the Ohio River. On
a clear day, visitors experience spectacular views of the river. Don't
miss touring the home, which contains several original Rankin family
artifacts.

Clermont County Ohio Freedom TrailClermont County Ohio Convention and Visitors Bureau
410 E. Main St.
Batavia, OH 45103
(800) 796-4282 or (513) 732-3600http://www.visitclermontohio.com
Hours: As this is a driving tour, the hours are at the discretion of the visitor. The visitor's bureau office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Drive time: 40 minutes

The Clermont Freedom Trail consists of 33 sites crucial in the
Underground Railroad's "Network to Freedom." Among the sites are homes
and churches that sheltered runaway slaves, as well as the grave sites
of several notable abolitionists. A complete driving tour will take
visitors throughout Clermont County, and a brochure with directions and
suggested itineraries can be obtained from the visitors bureau.

The restored and furnished home of the 18th U.S. president was declared
a national historic landmark in 1982. Ulysses S. Grant lived in this
home his parents built from 1823 at age 1 until he left for West Point
in 1839. Tourists can also visit the nearby Grant Schoolhouse where the
future president spent much of his time.

The nearby Ohio River valley accentuates the Appalachian foothills that
make up Shawnee State Park. The park is home to both campgrounds and
more amenity-rich lodges. Hikers will be rewarded with fantastic views
of the river, while the park also offers fishing, hunting, bike trails
and boating among a host of outdoor activities for all ages.

The museum features three main collections, which include the
Genealogical and Historical Research Library, the Regional History
Museum and the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection. All
three preserve the region's history and the stories of notable people
who hailed from and influenced Kentucky.

Marengo Cave
400 E. State Road 64
Marengo, IN 47140
(888) 702-2837www.marengocave.comHours: Open daily at 9 a.m. Summer weekdays close at 6 p.m., weekends close at 6:30 p.m.; reservations should be made for cave exploration trips.
Admission: Walking tours start at $7 for children and $13.50 for adults; cave exploration trips start at $25.
Drive time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

As a National Natural Landmark since 1984, Marengo Cave, which began to
form about one million years ago, is about 5 miles in length with 122
acres of forest in the park above. With both easy walking tours and
more intense discovery excursions, Marengo attracts all adventure
levels.

Aside from the usual camping and outdoor activities typical of state
parks, Greenbo Lake boasts an outdoor amphitheatre with a summer
calendar full of entertainment events. The Jesse Stuart Lodge, named
after the poet laureate native to the area, characterizes serenity with
its balconies overlooking forest and lake scenery and a large reading
room to catch up on your Stuart poetry.

This museum, located in the oldest U.S. settlement north and west of
the Ohio River, commemorates the history of what was once considered
the American West. Campus Martius houses exhibits concerning Native
American peoples, the early pioneers and later migration to the area.
While in Marietta, visitors can stop by the Ohio River Museum or enjoy
the town's one-of-a-kind antique and art shopping.